Synopsis

***Inspired by true events*** **Available in German as Gefährliche Zettel**

"One of the best YA books I've read in a long time, Playing with Matches grabs you from page one and whisks you back to 1938 Germany. It's rare that I get so engrossed in a story that I feel as if I'm actually there. I have always wondered what it must have been like for those citizens of Germany who knew something wasn't quite right. Using actual real-life stories from those who lived through it, Lee Strauss paints a bleak picture of fear and survival. Her characters seem real and jump right off the page." - Steven Davenport

"This book is an extremely heartbreaking and realistic look at World War II from a different perspective, from someone in Hitler's Army that doesn't want to be there. We so often hear about the atrocities that fell on the Jewish, but there isn't as much literature about everyday life for the non-Jewish Germans, especially those that didn't agree with Hitler.Told from the perspective of a child growing into a young adult at the worst time possible, this is a great read for teens as well as adults." - Valerie A. Baute

***

Heinz Schultz’s word could send a man to prison. Though only a youth of fifteen, he was strong, tall, and blond. The boys in his Deutsches Jungvolk unit esteemed him and feared him.

And they wanted to be just like him.

Emil Radle wanted to be just like him.

A dedicated member of Hitler Youth, Emil was loyal to the Fuehrer before family, a champion for the cause and a fan of the famous Luftwaffe Air force.

Then one day the soldiers rounded up the Jews. Outlawed their music, burned their books. Still…it must be for the betterment of the Fatherland, right?

Emil’s friends Moritz and Johann discover a shortwave radio and everything changes. Now they listen to the forbidden BBC broadcast of news reports that tell both sides. Now they know the truth.

The boys along with Johann’s sister Katharina, band together to write out the reports and covertly distribute flyers through their city. It’s an act of high treason that could have them arrested—or worse.

As the war progresses, so does Emil’s affection for Katharina. He’d do anything to have a normal life and to stay in Passau by her side. But when Germany’s losses become immense, even their greatest resistance can’t prevent the boys from being sent to the Eastern Front.

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: This second edition has several minor revisions, including name changes to three minor characters, in order to add clarity and authenticity to the timeline.

Very realistic

This book gripped me from the beginning. It rings true telling the fictional but mostly true story of a young boy losing his idealism. What happens is shocking, but believable. Well written, and should have been expanded in parts that felt rushed. All in all, very good.

by Scott Knowleson December 03, 2015

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Playing with matches

WWII from the "other" side. Germans suffered too - not all of them were Nazis. What a revelation. Highly recommend this to any one - it just balances things. It was hard on everyone involved.

by Glendaon April 19, 2017

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Interesting

This is an interesting biopic of what life was like for a family in Nazi Germany during WWII. It is an easy read and quite informative. It is probably not for everyone though. It will appeal to history buffs like myself.

by Dick Don November 10, 2015

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Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. First book I have read by this author. Characters were well developed and brought to life. Very well written.

by Zoeon April 09, 2017

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playing with matches

I could not wait to get back to pick up and start reading.
It was very well written I enjoyed it very much.